Ketchikan: Self-Drive Zodiac Boat & Wildlife Search

Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Water

You drive your own Zodiac through Southeast Alaska's rainforest islands, following a guide boat in search of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, whales, and orca. The tour includes three to four wildlife stops, all gear, and hot beverages on return. Expect the pace and route to shift based on where animals are that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-drive Zodiac boat adventure

• Launch from downtown Ketchikan dock
• Drive Zodiac boat with guide
• Explore Inside Passage rainforest islands
• Search for bald eagles, seals, sea lions
• Look for humpback whales and orca pods
• Stop and raft up with guide boat

The experience

Hands grip the wheel of a rigid hull inflatable boat, salt spray hitting your face as the engine throttles forward, and then you realize you're the one steering it. That's the whole point of this Zodiac adventure out of downtown Ketchikan. Your guide leads the way in their own boat, but you're driving yours, which means you're not just watching the Inside Passage happen. You're moving through it yourself. The dock is a couple of minutes from the cruise terminals, so if you're in port for the day, you're on the water fast.

The route shifts depending on where the wildlife is moving that morning. Most trips take in Historic Creek Street from the water, swing past the Totem Poles at Saxman Native Village, and cruise the Tongass Narrows hunting for bald eagles perched in the trees, seals hauled out on rocks, and sea lions that bark and slip back into the water when the boats get close. Humpback whales show up in season, and sometimes orca pods migrate through: your guide reads the water and adjusts the route to chase what's actually out there that day. You'll raft up with the guide boat three or four times during the tour, usually to glass the shoreline or let the guide point out what you're looking at through binoculars.

Up to four people fit in each Zodiac. If you're a couple, you might be paired with another couple, but the tour also offers the chance for two of your group to take turns at the helm if you want hands-on time driving. You need to be 21 or older to pilot the boat. Waterproof bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves come with you. The water is cold and the spray is constant, so the gear isn't optional. When you head back to the dock, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea is waiting.

What’s included

Your adventure includes your own Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat with a guide leading the way, waterproof bibs, jackets, boots, gloves, and dry bags to keep you warm and dry, three to four stops to search for and observe wildlife, and hot chocolate, coffee, or tea when you return to the dock. Private transportation to the downtown Ketchikan dock is provided.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ketchikan Kayak Company

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to be active on the water rather than just observe from a passenger seat, and who are comfortable with cold spray and a moving boat. You'll be out on the water for several hours, so plan for weather and bring a camera you don't mind getting wet.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need boating experience to drive the Zodiac?

No. Your guide leads the way and sets the pace. You follow their boat and steer yours. They handle navigation and wildlife spotting.

What if I don't want to drive?

You can stay as a passenger. The tour is designed so up to two people per boat can take turns at the wheel if desired, but it's optional.

How many people are in each boat?

Up to four guests per Zodiac. Couples may be paired with another couple unless you arrange otherwise.

What wildlife will we see?

Bald eagles, seals, and sea lions are common. Humpback whales appear seasonally, and orca pods sometimes migrate through. Sightings vary by season and time of day.

Is the boat ride rough?

Zodiacs are fast and responsive on the water. You'll feel the spray and motion. Waterproof gear is provided, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is the dock close to the cruise ship terminal?

Yes, it's a couple of minutes away from the downtown Ketchikan cruise docks.

What's included?

Boat, guide, waterproof bibs, jackets, boots, gloves, dry bags, and hot beverages on return. Transportation to the dock is included.